This image is too noisy, there are decent noise removal programs that will help a lot. Noise Ninja and I've been told Neat Image, will help considerably...

When you go out to take images, the lower the ISO, the less noise that appears. With most cameras anyting under 400 will have little noise. With 800, noise starts to be a factor and above 800 a major factor.

However, at the higher ISO's much of the noise will be eliminated simply by having the proper exposure. With my camera at 800 there is very little noise if I properly expose the image, whereas, is I am under exposed, noise is a big problem.

Now ISO should be thought of as just another way to increase the amount of light. The difference between ISO 400 and 800 is one Full stop. So, thus if I can only shoot at a speed of 200, with ISO 400, upping the ISO up one full stop will allow me to increase the shutter speed to 400 - One full stop.

Thus there are trade offs.

Shooting at 1600 should only be done, if that's the only way you can get the shot.

That's what I was trying to. Just get a picture of some warblers in the brush . The sun was setting and the birds were hopping all around so I set to 500th second and 1600 ISO to just get one shot to identifiy the bird ( yellow rumps ). On the way back the heron landed. The warbler is noisy as well but now I can identify it. Take care.